Description
A cozy, old-fashioned apple cake packed with juicy apples, warm spices, and finished with a sticky brown sugar glaze. This easy homemade dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel, core, and dice apples into small cubes (about 1/2-inch pieces). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until thick and glossy.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- While cake bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract.
- When cake is done, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Pour hot glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Let cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For nut-free, skip the walnuts or pecans and add extra apples or dried fruit. Use firmer apple varieties for best texture. If apples are very juicy, toss with a tablespoon of flour before adding to batter. Tent with foil if cake browns too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute a trusted gluten-free flour blend. The glaze should be poured on while the cake is hot for best absorption. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cake, Amish dessert, fall baking, easy cake, brown sugar glaze, homemade apple cake, autumn dessert, nut-free option, old-fashioned cake, comfort food